Three decades ago, lower downtown was a vast culinary wasteland, with a handful of diners and dive bars serving the needs of the down-and-out denizens who hung out in the area. Today LoDo is one of the hottest real-estate markets in town, with young and old alike flocking to live in downtown lofts and apartments -- and restaurateurs eager to serve their every need. The few vestiges of the old days, including El Chapultepec, 20th Street Cafe and the Wazee Lounge, have been joined by such relative old-timers as Vesta Dipping Grill, the Wynkoop Brewing Co. and Venice - and more spots are suiting up every day, including Coohills, District Meats, Zydeco's and Lucky Pie.

And here's the defense of Highland West:

A residential area full of young professionals who love to eat out, Highland west of Federal has become one of the town's strongest restaurant neighborhoods. West 32nd Avenue anchors most of the activity in this part of town, with El Camino serving up killer house margaritas and good gringified Mexican food, Bang! paying homage to Southern comfort fare, Venue turning out solidly executed American classics, Trattoria Stella offering an Italian-food-and wine fix, and Sushi Hai slicing up raw fish. Sweets fiends are addicted to Happy Cakes, and bread heads get a rise out of the Denver Bread Company.